Acuff, Fred M.

Robert Abrams (Bob) is the co-founder and currently serves as Of Counsel to Abrams, Fensterman, Fensterman, Eisman, Formato, Ferrara & Einiger, LLP, a law firm located in Lake Success, New York, with additional locations in Brooklyn, Manhattan and Rochester. A nationally recognized expert in Health and Elder Law, Bob has participated in many important matters in courtrooms, boardrooms and other venues.

Recognized for his substantive expertise and leadership skills, Bob has been called a “Pillar of Knowledge” and a “National Treasure.” Bob served as Chair of both the Elder and Health Law sections of the New York State Bar Association (NYSBA). Bob had the unique honor to serve as guest Editor of the historic Summer 2011 issue of the NYSBA Journal, which was titled “Are You Prepared for the Elder Years?” Over 150,000 people have read this special issue of the NYSBA Journal.

Bob has twice been invited to participate in the once in a decade White House Conference on Aging (Whoa), the first of which was hosted by President Bill Clinton in 1995 and the second hosted by President George W. Bush in 2005. At the 2005 Conference, Bob coordinated the first ever WHCoA Technology Exhibit which showcased technological initiatives designed to improve the quality of life for older individuals in America and throughout the world.

In the spring of 2012, Bob facilitated the creation of the New York State Legal Services Initiative which now includes the participation of various leaders of New York State (NYS) government and the private sector. The purpose of this Initiative is to review how the needs of older New Yorkers and individuals with special needs are addressed in NYS. This initiative is likely to serve as a model for the entire country.

 A prolific educator and writer, Bob has presented educational programs to attorneys, healthcare professionals and consumers throughout the United States. Bob has made presentations to and written articles for many prestigious organizations including the American Healthcare Association; National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys; American Bar Association; several state and local Bar Associations; National Adult Protective Services Association; Arizona Healthcare Association; Rhode Island Healthcare Association; California Association of Healthcare Facilities and the National Association of State Veterans Homes.

At the request of NYSBA, Bob has served as an Editor for the following legal resources: Guardianship Practice in New York State; a joint project with the New York State Medical Society titled: The Legal Manual for New York Physicians; and, at the direction of the Honorable Jonathan Lippman, Chief Judge of New York State, The Legal Manual on Public Health Emergency Preparedness.

In 2000, Bob co-authored Boomer Basics, which was published by McGraw Hill and which addressed personal, financial and health issues that affect Baby Boomers, their parents and children. In 2009, Bob wrote Watered-Down Truth: A Flood of Lies More Deadly Than Hurricane Katrina. This book received multiple accolades for providing a riveting and truthful account of how and why 35 patients drowned in their Nursing Home during Hurricane Katrina.

Bob’s latest book Be a Planner, Not a Gambler: What You Need to Know and Do to Prepare for the Elder Years has resulted in the creation of the “Be a Planner” phenomenon. Millions of people throughout New York and the United States are expected to be exposed to this “movement” which encourages Americans to prepare for the elder years.

Bob received his law degree from the evening division of New York Law School. While attending law school at night, Bob worked in an administrative capacity in a nursing home. He passed the New York State Nursing Home licensure test the same year he passed the Bar exam. He received a Master’s degree in Public Administration from New York University, which included course work completed at Fresno State University of the California State University System. Bob graduated with honors from Brooklyn College where he received his bachelor’s degree in special education.